Container

ABSTRACT

An improved container, particularly useful for containing plants, seeds, or seedlings in soil for shipment, is formed of a member which when unassembled is in a generally planar configuration. A plurality of hinge lines formed in the member enable the member to be folded into a configuration having generally a U-shaped cross-section and divide the member into a plurality of predetermined compartments. The container, which can be stacked when unassembled due to the planar configuration, contains a plurality of tab members integrally formed with one of the edges of the container. The free end of the tab is formed with a protuberance for abutting the outer side of the other free edge of the container for assembling the container in the generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. applicationNo. 273,558, filed July 20, 1972, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,609, having acommon assignee as the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of art to which the invention pertains includes containerassemblies.

In the shipping of small plants, seedlings and soil packed seeds, it iscommon to use individual containers therefor with attendant costs andhandling disadvantages. In the aforementioned patent application, acontainer assembly is disclosed, which, when unassembled, is of agenerally planar configuration, enabling a plurality of the assembliesto be stacked when unassembled. When the sections of the assembly arefolded, the indentations in adjacent sections are positioned so as todivide the container into a plurality of discrete compartments. It hasbeen found, however, that the side walls of the container which are ofgenerally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration tend to return to theiroriginal planar configuration. Therefore, it has been necessary tosecure the side walls to the center section by use of adhesive which ispre-coated onto the container assembly. Alternatively, a string or othersecuring device must be utilized to secure the sides together. Inaddition, when positioning a plurality of assembled containers together,it may be necessary to provide some mechanism for spacing the adjacentsides of the containers from each other so as to provide gripping accessto individual container assemblies.

The present invention provides a container assembly which can be stackedflat in a generally planar configuration and stored with a minimum ofspace. In addition, when the container is assembled for use, thereceptacle can be locked so as to retain its assembled structural formand provide a superior shipping container. The container is particularlysuitable for containing plants, seeds, seedlings or the like, packed insoil for shipment.

Specifically, the container assembly is formed of a member, which, whenunassembled, has a generally planar configuration when stored, and whichassembles into a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Thecontainer assembly is divided into a plurality of predeterminedcompartments by internal hollow ribs formed by indentations in theopposite surface of the walls thereof, which ribs interact when themember is folded. Tab members are integrally formed with, and extendfrom, at spaced locations along, one of the free edges of the container.The free end of each tab is formed with a protuberance for abutting theouter side of the other free edge of the container, thereby retainingthe assembly in a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration. Recesses areprovided in said other free edge keyed to the tab protuberances.

Advantageously, the container is formed of sheets of substantiallyuniform thickness expanded polystyrene. The springiness of thepolystyrene operates in cooperation with the tab retaining mechanism toprovide a simple but secure locking function.

Button spacers are provided on the side walls to space laterallyadjacent containers of like construction from each other a sufficientdistance to accommodate the tab protuberances. A breather hole isprovided in the bottom wall of each compartment for drainage, and spacerbuttons are disposed thereabout to space the container from the floor ofany support and prevent stagnation of soil water.

The advantages of the invention, both as to its construction and mode ofoperation, will be readily appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which likereference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top partial perspective view of a portion of one of thecontainers in unassembled form;

FIG. 2 is a bottom partial perspective view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 taken alongthe line 3--3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 shown assembled;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled container of FIG. 4taken along the line 5--5 thereof; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container of FIG. 4illustrating a plurality of assembled adjacent containers of likeconstruction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, only a portion of a complete container is illustrated,for simplicity of drawing. Any desired number of compartments can beprovided in each container, a typical configuration containing tencompartments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a container 12 inunassembled form made in accordance with the principles of theinvention. The container 12 is formed from sheets of substantiallyuniform thickness expanded polystyrene and is formed with a plurality ofindentations (resulting in hollow protuberances on the opposite side)which allow stacking of a plurality of the container assemblies inunassembled form. The container comprises a central section 14 which isinterconnected by hinge lines 16 and 18 to a first side section 22 and asecond side section 24, respectively.

The polystyrene sheet is indented to form a plurality of protuberances26 into the interior of the container spaced along the longitudinal axisof the central section. The protuberances 26 are of generally H-shapedconfiguration when viewed from the top of FIG. 1, due to recesses 28 and32 formed therein. The recesses 28 and 32 are formed on opposite sidesof a central peak 34 which is a plane parallel to the axis of thecentral section. The recesses 28 and 32 are of generally trapezoidalshape with the wide base of the trapezoid being adjacent the hinge lines16 and 18, respectively. Also spaced along the center line of the axisof the central section 14 are openings 36 one each of which is spacedbetween adjacent protuberances 26. The openings 36 are each positionedin the center of a bottom section 38 defining the bottom surface of eachof the container compartments.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the bottom surface 42 of each of the bottomsections 38 is formed with a plurality of spacer buttons 44 inquadrature array around the openings 36. The buttons 44 enable theassembled container to be raised from a surface upon which it is mountedor positioned, as will be explained hereinafter.

The first side section 22 and the second side section 24 which join thecentral section 14 at the hinge lines 16 and 18, respectively, aremirror images of each other on their interior surfaces 46 and 48,respectively. A free edge 52 of the first side section 22 is integrallyformed with a plurality of tab members 54 spaced therealong. Theexterior surfaces of the first and second side sections 22 and 24 areidentical, with keyways 58, for the tab protuberances, additionallyformed adjacent the free edge 62 of the second side section 24.

A plurality of generally trapezoidally shaped hollow ribs 64, defined bytapered surfaces 66, are formed adjacent the hinge line 16 or 18 and aretransversely spaced along the interior surfaces of the first and secondside sections in planes parallel to central protuberances 26. Thetapered shape of each rib 64 is such that when the container assembly isfolded in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, and a close fit withthe recesses 28 or 32, respectively, of the center section protuberances26 is formed. The tapered side surface 68 of each rib 64 adjacent thefree edges 52 and 62 of the side sections 22 and 24, respectively, isformed with a medially spaced, upwardly facing shoulder 72. The crest 74of each rib 64 tapers slightly from its proximal end 66 toward itsdistal end 68 so that when the container assembly is folded asillustrated in FIG. 5, opposed crests 74 of each of the ribs 64 will buteach other and fold slightly inwardly at an acute angle respective thebottom, base section 38.

Retaining ridges 92 and 94, respectively, are formed along the axis ofthe first and second side sections on the interior surfaces thereof andare illustrated as being positioned between adjacent ribs 64. While onlytwo ridges 92 and 94 are shown, it should be understood that one only,or more, could be used or the ridges could be eliminated completely,depending upon the type of material to be packed into the compartmentsof the container assembly. Indentations 96 forming side buttons on theexterior side sections are positioned between the ridges 92 and 94. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the side buttons 96 on one assembly arejuxtaposed with corresponding buttons on an adjacent container assembly,thereby separating the exterior side walls of adjacent containers oflike construction.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tab members 54 are spaced alongthe edge 52 of the first side section 22 adjacent alternate ribs 64along the axis of the container. However, it should be understood that atab member could be positioned adjacent each rib or, alternatively,fewer tab members could be utilized.

The tab members 54 are of generally planar configuration and are foldedwith respect to a free edge 52 of the first side section 22 along ahinge line 102. The opposite edges of each tab member is formedconcavely to provide a reduced width central portion 104 which isinterconnected to an enlarged width portion 106, secured at the hingeline 102, and an enlarged width portion 108 which forms the distal endof the tab 54. The distal end of each tab 54 is formed with a rounded,elongated, hollow protuberance 112 which faces toward the interior ofthe container when assembled and which is adapted to be positioned inthe keyway 58 formed on the exterior free edge 62 of the second sidesection 24. Normally, the tab protuberance 112 has a length slightlygreater than the width of the trapezoidal rib 64 and the keyway 58 andthe tab protuberance 112 are formed with gradually curving surfaces toprovide smooth and easy mating thereof.

A depression 114 of generally trapezoidal configuration, is formed onthe interior surface of the proximal end of the tab member 54 adjacentthe hinge line, so that when the tab member is secured, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, sufficient room is provided for enabling the portion ofthe tab 54 to form a close fit with the distal end of the rib 64.

The length of each tab 54, from its joinder at its proximal end to theinner surface of its protuberance 112, is somewhat less than the widthof the base 38 of the container. Such configuration serves to lock thetabs in place against the springiness of the abutting hollow ribs andthe natural tendency of the expanded polystyrene sheet material tospring apart along its fold lines. The foregoing characteristics, alongwith the aforenoted acute angle formed by the side walls and base,afford a locking function which is simple yet highly effective.

The container assembly of FIGS. 1 through 6 can be used to shipseedlings or other types of fragile goods. After the goods have beenpacked in the container, and the tab members 54 are in an uprightposition as shown in FIG. 4, a mechanical arm can be utilized toautomatically lower the tabs so that they secure the assembly together.When the container is packed with soil, the openings 36 allow aircirculation facilitated by the bottom spacer buttons, thereby preventingthe accumulation of stagnant water pools. In addition, when the soil inwhich the seedlings are packed expands due to addition of water, theridges 92 and 94 serve to retain the soil in the container, should thecontainer be somehow upset. It will be appreciated that a shippingcontainer has been provided which is much more economical thancontainers heretofore used.

I claim: .[.1. An improved container assembly, comprising:configuration. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 15. A container assembly in accordancewith claim 14 wherein said center section has a plurality of openingsextending therethrough. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 16. A container assembly inaccordance with claim 15 wherein said center section is plurallyindented to provide a plurality of externally depending spacer buttons,the exterior surfaces of said center section spacer buttons providing aresting surface for enabling said center section to be spaced from asurface upon which said center section rests. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
 17. Acontainer assembly in accordance with claim 15 wherein said sidesections are positioned at an acute angle with respect to said centersection when said container is assembled. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 18. Acontainer assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein the interiorsurfaces of said side sections contain ridges for retaining materialplaced in said container assembly. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 19. A containerassembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein said container assembly ismade of an integrally formed member of expanded polystyrene sheetmaterial. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 20. A container assembly in accordance withclaim 19 wherein the length of said tab is greater than the distancebetween said free edges of said container assembly when in assembledconfiguration. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 21. A container assembly in accordancewith claim 14 wherein the length of said tab is greater than thedistance between said free edges of said container assembly when inassembled configuration. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 22. An improved containerassembly comprising:a member which when unassembled is in a generallyplanar configuration and has first and second side edges; a plurality ofhinge lines formed in said member each along the axis of said containerfrom said first side edge to said second side edge for enabling saidmember to be folded into a predetermined shape and for dividing themember into a first section, a second section and a central section,said central section interconnecting said first and second sections; atleast one of said first and second sections being indented to providespacer buttons extending outwardly from its outer surface, said spacerbuttons being provided to abut an adjacent container of likeconstruction; each of said section being formed with a plurality ofhollow ribs formed by indentations therein spaced inwardly from the sideedges and spaced one from another along the axis of said container, saidribs interacting when said member is folded along said hinge lines so asto form a structure of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configurationhaving a pair of free edges spaced one from the other which define theends of said U-shaped configuration, and to divide said container into aplurality of discrete compartments; and a tab member having a first endintegrally formed with one of said edges and a free end adapted to bepositioned adjacent the other of said edges for retaining said assemblyin said U-shaped cross-sectional configuration. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 23. Acontainer assembly in accordance with claim 22 wherein the other of saidfirst and second sections is indented to provide spacer buttonsextending outwardly from its outer surface and wherein said free end ofsaid tab member overhangs said other of said edges and each of saidspacer buttons extend outwardly at least one half the outward extent ofsaid overhang. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 24. An improved container assembly forcontaining plants, seeds or seedlings in soil for shipment,comprising:an integral one-piece member which when unassembled is in agenerally planar configuration and has first and second side edges; aplurality of hinge lines formed in said member each along the axis ofsaid container from said first side edge to said second side edge forenabling said member to be folded into a predetermined shape and fordividing the member into a first section, a second section and a centralsection, said central section interconnecting said first and secondsections, said first, second and central sections constituting at leastthe major surface areas of said container; and each of said sectionsbeing formed with a plurality of hollow ribs formed by indentationstherein spaced inwardly from said side edges and spaced one from anotheralong the axis of said container, said ribs interacting when said memberis folded along said hinge lines so as to form a structure of generallyU-shaped cross-sectional configuration having a pair of free edgesspaced one from the other which define the ends of said U-shapedconfiguration, and to divide said container into a plurality of discretecompartments; said center section being plurally indented to provide aplurality of externally depending spacer buttons and having a pluralityof openings extending therethrough, the exterior surfaces of said centersection spacer buttons providing a resting surface for enabling saidcenter section to be spaced from a surface upon which said centersection rests. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 25. An improved container assembly forcontaining plants, seeds or seedlings in soil for shipment,comprising:an integral one-piece member which when unassembled is in agenerally planar configuration and has first and second side edges; aplurality of hinge lines formed in said member, each along the axis ofsaid container from said first side edge to said second side edge, forenabling said member to be folded into a predetermined shape and fordividing said member into a first section, a second section and acentral section, said central section interconnecting said first andsecond sections, said first, second and central sections constituting atleast the major surface areas of said container; each of said sectionsbeing formed with a plurality of hollow ribs formed by indentationstherein spaced inwardly from the side edges and spaced one from anotheralong the axis of said container, said ribs interacting when said memberis folded along said hinge lines so as to form a structure of generallyU-shaped, cross-sectional configuration, the interaction of the ribsformed in said side sections being along substantially their entirelength so as to divide said container into a plurality of discretecompartments, said structure having a pair of free edges spaced apartone from the other a distance defined by the interacting ribs of saidside sections, said free edges defining the ends of said U-shapedconfiguration; said center section being formed with a plurality ofopenings therethrough, at least one opening being provided for each ofsaid discrete compartments; and means for spacing the bottom of saidcentral section from a support surface to permit drainage from saidopenings. .Iaddend.